Questions about cooking in winter

by BC
(St. Louis, MO)

I’ve been thinking about the frosty winter weather that has been moving across the northern U.S. Here in the St. Louis area, we’ve already had two days with snow! Now, we haven’t gotten six feet of the stuff, but we’ve had a good three or four inches (an inch or so of which melted before the new could come down!). And all of this before it is officially winter…or Thanksgiving, which is pretty unusual.

The early snowfall has gotten me to thinking about using my Sun Oven. If the power goes out in a snowstorm, as it frequently does, it is good to know there is a backup source for cooking meals. However, that would not work if the sun were obscured behind a blizzard! Does anyone have any experience with cooking during a storm when the power is off? And speaking of cooking with the solar oven in winter, does it take extra long? I haven’t had a full day in the last couple of weeks without clouds or precipitation. I’m wondering if I need to devote 6 hours to a roast, whereas before it would have taken 2-3 hours? I’m not quite sure what to do at this point.

Comments for Questions about cooking in winter

We have clouds today as well as forecast for tomorrow, so we just use another method for cooking when the solar cookers cant' be used.

Even here in the "sunny southwest" we have to contend with clouds.

We realize that nowhere has sunshine every day so we also promote the use of other back-ups to the "back-up" (solar cooker)for when one finds themselves in an emergency or disaster situation.
We highly recommend more efficient bio-mass burning stoves for when one does have to burn fuels for heat and cooking.
If you did not know already, we also carry the Silverfire Rocket Stoves on our sister site Cantinawest Survival.These we consider to be the next best option after a solar cooker, because there will also be a need to cook when the sun is not shinning.

Rocket stoves are more efficient bio-mass burning stoves and will not use as much expendable fuel as just a regular camp fire, and they are compact and portable.
Of course solar cookers use no fuel at all, and that is why we like those best ;)
So, use the solar cooker when there is sun and don't fret too much when it is cloudy or stormy.

...the sun will come out tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar! -ANNIE

Nov 22, 2014Rating

Hmmby: BC

...well, we don't have too many "weather patterns" in this part of the country. It pretty much does what it wants to do, whenever it wants to do it! The forecast for the next week is calling for rain/clouds pretty much every day, ending with a cold front coming in, bringing snow for Thanksgiving! I'm pretty sure I won't be using my solar oven at all to prepare for the Great Feast!

Nov 21, 2014Rating

Storm cookinby: Billy Bob Johnson

I usually get my wife and kids to hold flashlights over my parabolic cooker to prepare means during inclement weather. Works for me.

Nov 21, 2014Rating

Cook when the sun is availableby: Jim La Joie

During inclement weather cooking opportunities are reduced. Watch your weather pattern. If the storms hit mostly in the afternoon and early mornings are clear, then plan your cooking to start as soon as the sun is available. Same thing for afternoons.Snow and sun may actually help your cooking. Snow reflection.You are an experienced solar cook. Just challenge your device and become aware of your weather patterns.